Gardens to Visit in Hertfordshire

The bountiful home-county of Hertfordshire boasts
of a number of impressive gardens and landscapes. Many
have deep historical connections to the landed gentry
and aristocracy, and some even with Royalty.

Benington Lordship

The remains of a Norman Castle and 17th-c brick
mansion with sweeping lawns, that lead to a kitchen
garden, rockery, winter garden, rose garden and a pond
with marginal planting. Magnificent carpets of snowdrops
and bulbs in spring. Followed by flowering shrubs and
richly planted herbaceous borders in the Summer.

Facilities: parkingOpen: February to August (Event days
only)Address: Benington, Stevenage SG2
7BSTel: (08701)261709Web:beningtonlordship.co.uk

Capel Manor

A fascinating series of over 60 display gardens,
incorporating a wide range of different designs and
materials. Includes a large walled garden, mature shrub
borders, water features and wildflower and woodland
areas. The Folly Garden (shown above) was developed
to provide a signature garden for the site.

Hatfield House

Magnificent 17th-c Palace enclosed
by 42 acres of formal Gardens, designed by John Tradescant.
They include a Jacobean knot garden with authentic
planting, a herb garden, Victorian Maze, scented
garden and open parkland areas. Contains an important
collection of plants from around the world.

Knebworth House

Formal gardens laid-out by Edwin
Lutyens in 1908. They include a walled garden, a maze,
rose gardens, herb garden (designed by Gertrude Jekyll)
and a vast deer park. Children will enjoy the dinosaur
trail in the wilderness garden, miniature railway and
adventure playground.

Royal National Rose Society

Experience formidable displays
of over 3000 rose varieties, from old to modern. Complemented
by a rich variety of under planting and companion plants,
including clematis, lavender, foxgloves and irises.
Beautifully laid-out and richly scented.
At its peak around mid June to early August. Run by
the Royal National Rose Society

Due to the wide variations in opening times, and seasonal changes, we are only able to state the core months in which these gardens are open. For details of the actual days and times of opening, please visit the garden's website using the link provided or call them using the telephone number listed.